Beginning on Friday, April 3, live music will once again fill the New Orleans-style outdoor courtyard at the Hardin Center for Cultural Arts in Historic Downtown Gadsden. This year marks the 17th anniversary season of the series and, as in years past, the series will feature live bands every Friday and Saturday night, April through August, weather permitting. The courtyard opens at 5 p.m. and the performers begin at 7 p.m. and play until at least 9 p.m. Courtyard Café offers food and beverage service and table reservations are available by calling (256) 547-1066. The concerts are always free and open to the public.
The outdoor courtyard area has been improved through the years by the generous support of the Serendipity Dance Club and features brick pavers, gas lanterns, a stage, and trompe l’oeil murals painted by artists Steve Temple, Robert Johnston, and Mario Gallardo. With a wrought iron balcony and glowing lights strung overheard, lush plantings, and the Basil Gilchrist memorial fountain, visitors are transported to the French Quarter in New Orleans or to a hidden courtyard off of Dauphin Street in Mobile.
“It’s a charming venue in which to hear local musicians,” said Hardin Center deputy director Tom Banks. “We are particularly proud that this concert series continues to provide quality and diverse music to the public at no charge.”
The concerts are free thanks to the sponsorship of BBVA Compass Bank, Buffalo Rock, The Gadsden Times, Courtyard Café, and the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
The lineup of bands features a wide variety of acts including jazz, rock, pop, steel drum, country, alternative, bluegrass, zydeco, folk, and fusions of everything in between. Though the band schedule is already full for the season, performers wishing to be put on the waiting list in the event of a cancellation may contact Banks via email at tombanks@culturalarts.org.
For more information on the Courtyard Concert Series and to see the band schedule, visit culturalarts.org and click on “live music.” The Hardin Center makes a weather decision at 2 p.m. on the day of each concert. If you’re unsure of the weather, please check the Hardin Center’s Facebook page at facebook.com/hardincenter or call 256-543-2787, ext. 0 to see if a concert will be taking place.
“All are welcome; come enjoy the day and evening with us in Historic Downtown Gadsden,” said Banks.